We are a party of due processes and this is not how things are done. We have someone who is the mayor of Knysna as well as the Speaker of Eden District which is illegal, that is why we said to Mark Willemse he must resign.

— Bonginkosi Madikizela, DA Western Cape leader

Madikizela says it is not entirely clear why Bouw-Spies was removed as mayor.

I can't tell you. It's all frivolous accusations. It seems to be personality clashes between individuals who are raising all sorts of accusations. Those accusations have not been substantially proven but they want us to act on that.

— Bonginkosi Madikizela, DA Western Cape leader

Someone who has got a hand in this is the former deputy mayor who was removed by caucus who lost confidence in him. He has a hand in this mess as a form of revenge.